Autoimmune Conditions and Immune-Stimulating Products

Short answer: if you have an autoimmune condition, ask your specialist before using a product sold for "immune support" or "immune boosting." MedlinePlus explains that in an autoimmune disease the immune system attacks the healthy cells of the organs and tissues by mistake, and that there are more than 80 types. [1] A product promoted to make the immune system stronger is not automatically helpful in that situation. The sources below show cautions, not proof of harm for every person. If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse after taking any product, call 911.

What "immune-stimulating" means

Some herbs are promoted for "immune support." Researchers who reviewed the literature on herbs with immune-activating properties describe their review as a reference to help clinicians counsel patients with autoimmune skin diseases about specific herbal supplements. [2] Immune stimulation measured in the lab or in people is not the same as a proven flare of a disease, and the sources do not claim that.

What the sources say

A 2025 scoping review

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania searched PubMed for herbs with immune-activating properties. They reported 227 distinct herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties: 79 supported by human studies, 145 by model-organism studies and 148 by laboratory studies. [2] Fifteen had the strongest evidence of immune activation: alfalfa, ashwagandha, astragalus, chlorella, echinacea, garlic, ginseng, green tea extract, Indian mulberry, liquorice, mistletoe, reishi mushroom, skullcap, spirulina and tinospora. [2] The authors note these herbs are widely marketed for "immune support." [2]

How to read this: it is a scoping review about autoimmune skin diseases, and much of the support is from animals and lab studies. [2] It identifies herbs that activate the immune system; it is not a trial showing that any of them cause a flare. Evidence label: preclinical and mixed, with a caution for clinicians.

For profiles of some of these herbs, see echinacea, garlic, green tea, ashwagandha and spirulina and chlorella. For the immune-product claims side, see echinacea, elderberry, garlic and mushrooms for immunity.

What we looked for and did not find

Proper evidence not found, in the sources we read, for controlled human trials showing that a particular immune-support product causes or does not cause flares in a named autoimmune disease. We read NCCIH, MedlinePlus, EMA and PubMed pages. Absence of such trials is not proof of safety.

Medicines that suppress the immune system

Many people with autoimmune conditions take medicines that reduce immune activity. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist before adding any herb; see supplements and immunosuppressants and transplant medicines and how interactions work. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Practical steps

• Bring the product itself, including the plant name and plant part on the label (Latin names on labels).
• Check multi-herb products such as "immune blends" and "green powders" against the list above; the label may name several of these herbs.
• Report reactions; see side effects and reporting.

Return to Existing Health Conditions.